Chipotle Mexican Grill Names Jason Kidd as New COO Amid Leadership Transition

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) has announced a significant leadership change, appointing Jason Kidd as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective May 19, 2025. This strategic move comes as the company prepares for the retirement of long-serving President and Chief Strategy Officer Jack Hartung, who will step down on June 1, 2025, after nearly 25 years with the brand.

Kidd joins Chipotle from Taco Bell, where he served as the global COO. His extensive background in operations includes senior leadership positions at Hearing Lab Technology, LLC, and a six-year tenure at 99 Cents Only Stores, culminating as their president and COO. Kidd also brings two decades of experience from Sam's Club, where he held various positions in operations, merchandising, and supply chain.

In his new role, Kidd will oversee operations for Chipotle’s almost 3,800 restaurants and will report directly to CEO Scott Boatwright. Boatwright expressed confidence in Kidd's abilities, stating, "Kidd brings proven accomplishments and a wealth of knowledge that will further support our 130,000 team members in our restaurants with delivering exceptional hospitality to our guests."

In a statement, Kidd expressed his enthusiasm for joining Chipotle's leadership team, highlighting the company's commitment to building a guest-obsessed culture and modernizing operations. "There’s tremendous growth ahead for this incredible brand," he remarked, hinting at his ambition to enhance both employee and customer experiences.

Jack Hartung, who has been a cornerstone of Chipotle's growth since 2002, will transition to a senior advisor role before officially retiring in March 2026. During his tenure, Hartung oversaw the opening of over 3,700 restaurants across seven countries and played a pivotal role in shaping Chipotle’s strategic direction. Reflecting on his time at the company, Hartung noted, "It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the company that created an entirely new category of dining."

Boatwright expressed deep gratitude for Hartung's contributions, stating, "Jack's contributions to Chipotle over nearly three decades are immeasurable," and acknowledged his selfless decision to remain through the leadership transition.

As part of this leadership reshuffle, Curt Garner, the Chief Customer and Technology Officer, will expand his responsibilities to include oversight of the supply chain, taking on the title of President, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer. Additionally, Chris Brandt, the Chief Brand Officer, will lead a cross-functional team focused on menu and ingredient processes, further positioning Chipotle for growth in an evolving market landscape.

Chipotle continues to define itself by its commitment to serving responsibly sourced, real food without artificial ingredients. As of March 31, 2025, the company operates nearly 3,800 restaurants across multiple countries and employs over 130,000 individuals dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences.

This leadership transition signals not only a shift in personnel but also a renewed focus on strategic growth and operational excellence as Chipotle aims to maintain its position as a leader in the fast-casual dining sector.